Mark Lubotsky - Russian Violin Concertos: Arensky, Rimsky-Korsakov, Tchaikovsky (1998)

This album of Russian violin concertos does what many modern orchestras do when programming concert repertoire. That is, feature one quite famous work (in this case, the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto) to draw in more tentative patrons, then throw in a few less well-known but still deserving pieces (in this case, the Arensky and Rimsky-Korsakov). This approach is both effective and appropriate. The programming of these three composers is also historically intelligent; Tchaikovsky and Rimsky-Korsakov were contemporaries, and Arensky was one of Rimsky-Korsakov's many successful students.
The Estonian National Symphony Orchestra is successful in producing a rich, powerful "Russian" sound while never getting in the way of the soloist, violinist Mark Lubotsky. Considering his many accolades and impressive career, Lubotsky's performance here is often less than dazzling. His approach to his instrument is sometimes overly vertical, making demands that his violin simply cannot fulfill. Lubotsky's sound does not match the warmth of sensitivity of his orchestral accompaniment. Intonation is frequently suspect, especially in the Arensky concerto; the tops of long arpeggios fall flat. Listeners may enjoy this recording for the opportunity to hear the Arensky and Rimsky-Korsakov concertos (both of which are world-premiere recordings on CD), but may wish to turn elsewhere for a cleaner recording of the Tchaikovsky. Joshua Bell's performance comes to mind as a splendid alternative.